The first matter on the agenda is election of the Leas-Chathaoirleach. As agreed at the first meeting of the committee, a nomination for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach was received. Senator Anne Rabbitte was the only nomination received. As there is only one nomination, I must now put the question, "That Senator Anne Rabbitte be elected Leas-Chathaoirleach of the joint committee." Is that agreed? Agreed. I declare Senator Anne Rabbitte elected as Leas-Chathaoirleach. I congratulate the new Leas-Chathaoirleach and invite her to say a few words.

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I thank everybody for their support - those who nominated me and those who supported me here this morning. It is a privilege to be put forward as Leas-Chathaoirleach for the social protection committee. It is an important committee. We have a great deal of work to do across three different Departments, but focusing on the area I was responsible for in the previous term, namely, disability and those most vulnerable.

There is a huge piece of work to do related to disability packages. Also, the community – the rural affairs – is a huge piece of where I come from and what I believe in, and I believe in the value of all the CLÁR funding.

I look forward to working with the Cathaoirleach and the secretariat going forward.

I look forward to working with Senator Rabbitte as well. We will suspend briefly to facilitate the seating of our witnesses.